Question
How does a newborn develop a diaphragmatic hernia?
Answer
Generally, around the 10th week of pregnancy, when the midgut passes through the umbilical cord base to return to the abdominal cavity, due to the presence of the foramen of Bochdalek, the intestine can pass through this opening into the thoracic cavity, and may even include deficiencies of the large stomach, spleen, colon, and left lobe of the liver. Pulmonary hypoplasia is closely related to diaphragmatic hernia, with severity depending on the timing and extent of visceral herniation. For the fetus, we need to perform obstetric and fetal ultrasound examinations to ensure there are no other abnormalities or heart problems, and to exclude chromosomal abnormalities, particularly trisomy 18 syndrome. Maternal-fetal medical experts need to discuss and decide whether to terminate the pregnancy, perform fetal surgery, or operate after birth.